Andersen leaves game after Sestito makes contact with head (Video)

That loud, guttural scream you heard from the greater Toronto area came as Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Anderson lay down in the fetal position on the ice.

In the second period, Andersen comes just beyond the top of his crease. Sestito appears to attempt to set a screen as the Penguins take a shot from up high. The butt of Sestito makes contact with the head of Andersen causing the netminder’s head to whip violently to one side.

Andersen stayed down on the ice for a couple minutes as he was attended to by the Leafs’ trainer. He skated off under his own power but it was a sloooow skate to the locker room. Curtis McElhinney replaced Andersen in net as the Leafs are battling for two points to secure the final playoff spot.

Sestito was assessed a goaltender interference penalty.

There is going to be A LOT of debate about whether or not this play warrants supplemental discipline. Andersen is just barely outside of his crease. It’s difficult for Sestito to make deliberate butt-contact with the head, BUT it is Tom Sestito. History is not his friend.

Head/neck injuries aren’t new to Andersen. Late last season he experienced vertigo-like symptoms when being struck by a crossbar in one game and a puck to the head in the next.

There is no update as to Andersen’s status at this time. For now the Leafs’ hopes and dreams are being held in the arms of Curtis McElhinney (7-7-2). Gulp.